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Turkish woman gives birth at the age of 64 in Istanbul, becoming the second oldest mother in the world.

After 35 years of trying, Memnune Tiryaki became pregnant through in vitro fertilization — by egg transfer from a donor — in the breakaway Turkish sector of Cyprus and delivered her baby boy by Cesarean section in the private German Hospital here.

“It’s a great success… She is the second oldest woman in the world to have given birth,” said hospital spokesman Bulent Biricik, adding that a Romanian had given birth at the age of 67 in 2005.

The baby was 48 centimeters (19 inches) tall and weighed 2.7 kilograms (5.9 pounds). The 62-year-old father was equally joyous: “The only thing I care from now on is the happiness of my child.”

The Turkish Cypriot doctor who performed the in vitro fertilization said he made the decision after much hesitation over Tiryaki’s age.

“They wanted this baby so much. They were ready to do anything.”

He explained that only 25 percent of women aged over 40 stand the chance of becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization, but “even the uterus of a 90-year-old woman” is medically fit for the operation.

[11Oct06, AFP, http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/11/061011172654.94vpwg43.html]